Asked to respond to a report published in The Japan Times yesterday, a spokesperson for Olympus in Tokyo told Amateur Photographer: ‘President Sasa said it is under consideration.’

The spokesperson added: ‘So far, nothing definite has been decided on.’

The news comes almost five months after Olympus said it was poised to supply lens parts to Sony as part of a £400m tie-up announced in September 2012.

Sony already supplied imaging sensors to Olympus.

In February, Sony Corporation became the largest shareholder in Olympus, giving it nearly 35 million shares and 11.46% of overall voting rights.

Olympus has previously indicated that its alliance with Sony would see the two companies working together.